Real Madrid say Gareth Bale not for sale at any price

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez insists that world record signing Gareth Bale is not for sale amid persistent speculation linking the Wales international with Manchester United.

United were said to be lining up a big-money bid for Bale, who joined Real Madrid from Tottenham for a reported 86 million pounds in the summer of 2013, with Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal doing little to discourage the speculation.

There had also been claims that Madrid were willing to consider an exchange deal involving David de Gea, but Perez told media in Dubai that the European champions have no intention of parting with the attacker.

“We haven’t received an offer from Manchester United or any other club for Gareth Bale,” he said. “We wouldn’t listen to any offers for Bale, regardless of the amount.”

He added: “I cannot imagine Real Madrid without Cristiano Ronaldo, nor Gareth Bale. This is a unique player who has already given us a lot and is crucial to the future of the club.”

Bale’s agent recently claimed that United had offered more money than Real Madrid to take Bale from Tottenham in 2013.

I am not buying the “will not sell at any price” line from Perez. If Real can sigh Marco Reus this summer for his release clause of around 30 million pounds, and then turn around and sell Bale for 120 million, I expect them too, despite Bale being a success at the Santiago Bernabéu since arriving from Spurs.